Could you please explain the message behind Lent and why we do not fast every single day of the forty days?

This article is somewhat disingenuous by purposely obscuring the fact that the traditional practice IS to fast for every single one of the 40 days. The article talks about the 2nd century, but then jumps ahead to 1966, in a perfect example of the "antiquarianism" that was condemned by Pope Pius XII. Somehow it fails to mention that for hundreds of years prior to 1966, all faithful were obligated to fasting and partial abstinence EVERY day during Lent (except Sundays which technically are not included in Lent).

Prenant or nursing women and men who performed hard labor were exempted from the obligation except on Fridays and Ash Wednesday. This would have included a large percentage of the Catholic population a hundred years ago. But all those who lived the way that we live today were obligated to fast and abstain.

Fasting means taking only 2 small meals (called a "collation") not amounting to 1 normal meal, and 1 full meal. Meat, meat soup and meat gravy could only be eaten at the full meal. There could be no "eating between meals" (maybe your mother was on to something).

This is the first year that I have been fully aware of the traditional practice. It would seem hypocritical to attend the Latin Mass but opt out of the difficult part of traditional Catholicism. So this year I plan to follow the traditional guidelines. I also ordered a calendar with both traditional and current feast days so I know when "Ember Days" and "Rogation Days" fall.

I notice that Sundays are not technically part of Lent... but I still observe the fast on that day and I will regardless. However, the mother of a friend of my daughter's told my daughter that she could partake on the Sundays in Lent, whatever it was she was giving up that year. Would that be correct then?

Ahem. Not to correct you because you seem to know so much, but I think that all people over 60 years of age were also exempted from the fasting rules (and still are, as far as I know.) Please correct me, if I am wrong about this.

I think that all people over 60 years of age were also exempted from the fasting rules (and still are, as far as I know.)

You are correct. I didn't mention that point. Here are the exact official rules from 1958 and 1908, which agree with each other principally, but have some different explanations and emphases:

FASTING AND ABSTINENCE IN THE UNITED STATES 1958

ABSTINENCE: All Catholics seven years old and over are obliged to observe the Law of Abstinence.

On days of complete abstinence flesh meat, soup or gravy made from meat, are not permitted at all. On days of partial abstinence flesh meat, soup or gravy made from meat, are permitted once a day at the principal meal.

Complete abstinence is to be observed on all Fridays; Ash 'Wednesday; Vigils of Immaculate Conception and Christmas; an Holy Saturday. Partial abstinence is to be observed on Ember Wednesdays and Saturdays and on the Vigil of Pentecost.

FASTING: All Catholics from the completion of their twenty first to the beginning of their sixtieth year are bound to observe the Law of Fast. The days of Fast are the weekdays of Lent; Ember Days; the Vigils of Pentecost, Immaculate Conception and Christmas.

Only one full meal is permitted on a day of Fast. Two other meatless meals are permitted. These meals should be sufficient to maintain strength in accordance with each ones needs. Both of these meals, or "collations," together should not equal one full meal.

It is permissible to eat meat at the principal meal on a Fast Day except on Fridays, Ash Wednesday and the Vigils of the Immaculate Conception and Christmas and on Holy Saturday.

Solid food between meals is not permitted. Liquids, including coffee, tea, milk and fruit juices, are allowed.

In connection with problems arising from the Laws of Fast and Abstinence, a confessor or priest should be consulted. Dispensations may be granted for a serious reason concerning health or the ability to work.

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The Church Law of Abstinence and Fast 1908

1. The Law of Abstinence forbids the use of flesh meat and of the juice thereof (soup, etc.). Eggs, cheese, butter and seasonings of food are permitted. The Law of Fasting forbids more than one full meal a day, but does not forbid a small amount of food in the morning and in the evening.

2. All Catholics seven years old and over are obliged to abstain. All Catholics from the completion of their twenty-first to the beginning of their sixtieth year, unless lawfully excused, are bound to fast.

3. Abstinence alone is prescribed every Friday, unless a holy-day falls thereon. Fasting and abstinence are prescribed in the United States on: the Wednesdays and Fridays of Lent and Holy Saturday forenoon (on all other days of Lent fasting alone is prescribed and meat is allowed once a (day), the Ember days. viz.: the Wednesday, Friday and Saturday following the first Sunday of Lent, Pentecost, the 14th of September. and the third Sunday of Advent; the vigils of Pentecost, Assumption, All Saints and Christmas.

There is no fast or abstinence if a vigil falls on a Sunday. Whenever meat is permitted, fish may be taken at the same meal. A dispensation is granted to the laboring classes and their families on all days of fast and abstinence except Fridays, Ash Wednesday, in Holy Week, Holy Saturday forenoon, and the vigil of Christmas. When any member of such a family lawfully uses this privilege all the other members may avail themselves of it also; but those who fast may not eat meat more than once a day.

When we were growing up my Mam always encouraged us to do something during Lent instead of abstaining.

This sounds like a good plan, but hopefully it would not be instead of, but in addition to abstaining. Simply "doing something" might be a worthwhile charitable act, but it wouldn't qualify as "mortification" which is the focus of Lent. Here are 3 reasons for mortification:

If you are Irish you are allowed to imbibe to your heart's desire on the 17th. All others must fast.

Which doubles your enjoyment of the day. Just like days off school were twice as enjoyable if the public school kids were stuck inside (which included St. Patrick's day when we got off but they did not).

I wouldn't describe the article as disingenuous, because she clearly mentions that Lent has undergone development and change. But I think it is good to encourage people to take up what penitence they can.

If you want to go back to erlier practices, though, Lent was not just fasting for all of the sixty days, it also included stricter fasts. It was common to abstain from meat, eggs, milk, butter, cheese, fish, oil, and wine.

Some even abstained from all food and beverages except breads, water, juices, honey, and nuts. (John the Baptist's diet)

There were also many other practice, including fasting from all food by ordinary Christians for an entire day.

Canon 1252 All persons who have completed their fourteenth year are bound by the law of abstinence; all adults are bound by the law of fast up to the beginning of their sixtieth year. Nevertheless, pastors and parents are to see to it that minors who are not bound by the law of fast and abstinence are educated in an authentic sense of penance.

Besides those outside the age limits, also excused from fast or abstinence are those of unsound mind, the sick, the frail, pregnant or nursing women according to need for meat or nourishment, manual laborers according to need, guests at a meal who cannot excuse themselves without giving great offense or causing enmity and other situations of moral or physical impossibility to observe the penitential discipline.

Also, soldiers are often excused, which may be especially relevant this year.

The immoderate long fasts of many displease me, for I have learned by experience that the donkey worn out with fatigue on the road seeks rest at any cost. In a long journey, strength must be supported.

St. Jerome

Total abstinence is easier than perfect moderation.

St. Augustine of Hippo

A wanton horse and an unchaste body should have their feed cut down.

St. Hilarion

It is impossible to engage in spiritual conflict unless the appetite has first been subdued.

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